CAN you picture your thoughts and feelings if you have to deal with fleas and ticks on a daily basis?
As someone with trypophobia, I find the sight of repetitive patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps very repulsive.
I can get waves of discomfort just by thinking about or looking at objects that have holes in them. It can make me suddenly itchy, nauseated, start to shake, or even feel like crying!
So how can someone endure handling these tiny, horrible parasites every day for years?
Pikha, the parasite slayer
Pikha Satah, a professional pet groomer, said removing ticks and fleas might be disgusting to some people, but to her, it’s just another day’s work.
“Fleas are small, bloodsucking insects that enjoy feasting on our animal companions. They hide under our cat’s and dog’s coats and hook into their skin, absorbing their blood in a painful way.
“The itching from this pest’s bites can be excruciating, and the pain can linger for several days. Furthermore, these fleas don’t only target animals but also humans.
“It’s challenging to get rid of them since they can shift from one host to another. You’ll be more likely to get infected with fleas if you live with pets.
“To pet owners, if you find your cat or dog infected with fleas, send them immediately to a grooming centre or veterinary clinic to prevent the infection from getting worse,” said the 37-year-old Sibu-born.
According to Pikha, who has been working with pets for over a decade, those parasites are some of the “toys” she plays with almost every day.
She claimed that each time she sees a situation like this (pets with tick and flea infections), she becomes really agitated and angry with the attitude of the pet owners, who obviously were not keeping their animals clean, especially the badly affected ones.
To shed light on the true form of the infection, this Universiti Malaysia Sarawak graduate in Animal Science and Resources (Zoology) said she normally shaves the pet’s fur before trying to eradicate fleas.
After that, the animal will be bathed using medicated shampoo to remove the pests as much as possible. Fleas and ticks will die within two to three hours after pets are treated with medicated shampoo.
Pikha suggested that pet owners apply tick or flea spot drops to their animals on a monthly basis or place a tick collar on them to stop the same scenario from happening again.
“Ticks and fleas can bring disease to your pets, such as tick fever, which can cause death if not cured immediately.
“Apart from that, pets with low immune systems may have skin irritation, which may suppress their appetite. Make sure you can provide your pets with the finest care possible as a responsible pet owner; prevention is better than cure,” she explained.
She advised pet owners to clean their pets’ sleeping and resting spaces in addition to their roaming areas as a preventative strategy against future flea infestations.
In extreme cases, pet owners may want to consider enlisting the help of a professional team to handle an out-of-control flea infestation in their house.
A furry friend fan
Pikha, who has a Professional Pet Grooming Certificate from Pets Icon Pet Grooming Academy, said she fell in love with animals when she was a child.
“There’s nothing like the happiness of returning home to a faithful friend. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company.
“Additionally, having a pet can lower stress, strengthen heart health, and even assist children with social and emotional development.
“I used to dream about starting a pet shop when I was younger, and I’m grateful that God made my dream come true.
“I am grateful to my family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support in helping me realise my ambition.
“In November 2013, my sister and I founded Furkids Grooming Centre.
“In my ten years with Furkids, we have dealt with a variety of pet-related issues and have been informing and educating the community on the appropriate care of pets.
“We make every effort to assist by providing guidance and solutions. All we want is for everyone to be able to love their pets unconditionally,” she said.
Pikha advised anyone considering adoption or buying a pet to think carefully before making a decision.
She said that pets are living creatures that want attention. Owning a pet also implies that the owner must allocate money, particularly for the needs of their companion animals, such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and other necessities.
“If someone truly wants a pet, they should conduct surveys or other research, read pet-related publications, and get recommendations and guidance from those who already own pets.
“Kittens and puppies require extra care because they are still extremely young and delicate, while adult pets are more independent and tough.
“Pet owners must provide a safe environment for them to grow and feed them with suitable food. Selecting the right diet may help your pet have a strong, healthy body and a glossy coat. It can also lower the likelihood of illness, which can save on vet expenses.
“Cheap food does not equate to good, and good food does not equate to cheap. The most crucial decision is which diet is best for the pet and most economical for the owner.
“Furthermore, medical care needs to be provided. Every pet needs to be vaccinated, which can be done at any veterinary clinic.
“Though they cannot talk, pets nevertheless have feelings. Please treat them as your own family members,” stressed Pikha, a former veterinary assistant at Melaka A Famosa Safari Wonderland.
From the moment your pet enters your home until the day it departs, please provide them with excellent care.
Do not abandon them when they are sick or getting old. Love them like you love yourself. Pets are not just pets; they are family.
And, remember to groom your pet regularly, give them a bath, and monitor their behaviour to prevent or eliminate fleas in their early stages.
Bravo to all vets and pet groomers! I genuinely respect your courage (which I lack) and am incredibly appreciative of everyone who has contributed to keeping our furry friends safe from flea infestations.
